Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #5 – W. Maxwell Prince, Writer; Martin Morazzo, Artist; Chris O’Halloran, Colorist
Ray – 9/10
Ray: The weirdest comic DC has put out in a very long time comes full circle, and now the gonzo team of Prince and Morazzo has to figure out just how to put it all back in the bottle. Each issue of this series has focused on the strange effects of new forms of Kryptonite, but the actual concept is much more complicated than this – with Lex Luthor putting together his most deranged plan yet. Now, a clone of Luthor powered with the rock has become the Kryptonite Man, and every punch he and Superman exchange brings the Man of Steel closer to death. This is an explosive final issue, and one that takes a lot of twists and turns. We see some of the most iconic effects of the kryptonite from earlier issues return, as well as some of the guest heroes and the assorted villains – and, of course, the many personal subplots that were set up through the series, as Superman prepares for what could be his final battle.
Of course, when talking about a story like this, it’s impossible to not think about the most iconic stories where Superman died in the past – both Doomsday, and the end of All-Star Superman. And so a few of the conversations that take place in this issue are a little familiar, but no less heartfelt. But while the lead-up is a little expected, the outcome isn’t at all. This issue has one of the best fight scenes I’ve seen in a Superman book, as well as one of the best verbal takedowns of Luthor Superman has ever given. And then the threat is done, and the battle ends…and the issue keeps going, with what seems like a long goodbye for Superman, all ending in one of the oddest last-act twists I’ve ever seen. I’m not sure if this is supposed to be a bittersweet ending or just a cruel, mocking one, honestly? The Ice Cream Man creative team always swings for the fences, and I’m not quite sure if this last home run hit, but the series as a whole certainly did.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes
